The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has told Guinness Care and Support Limited that urgent improvements are required at Arcot House in Arcot Gardens.

The warning notices followed an unannounced visit by CQC in October after concerns were raised.

Inspectors found that the home, which is registered to accommodate up to 23 people, was in a state of disrepair and failing to comply with six essential standards of quality and safety.

These were as follows:

l The registered provider, Guinness Care and Support Limited, had not taken proper steps to ensure that care was delivered appropriately to meet people’s individual needs.

l The home had failed to assess, review, plan and deliver care and treatment in such a way as to meet individual needs, and ensure the welfare and safety of the people living at the home.

l The care home did not have effective systems in place to prevent, detect and control the spread of healthcare associated infections.

l The provider failed to ensure the maintenance of appropriate standards of cleanliness and hygiene in relation to equipment used in the home.

l Inspectors found that the registered provider had failed in their duty to ensure that people were protected against the risks of unsafe or unsuitable premises.

Ian Biggs, deputy director of the CQC in the south west, said: “The law says that these are the standards that everyone should be able to expect.

“Providers have a duty to ensure they are compliant and this cannot be allowed to continue.

“This warning sends a clear and public message that Guinness Care and Support Limited needs to address these issues as a matter of urgency or face serious consequences. We note that the provider has said that it has already taken action.

“Our inspectors will keep Arcot House under review, working closely with NHS Devon and Devon County Council to ensure that people are not at undue risk of harm.

“We will return in the near future and, if we find that this home is not making the required progress, we won’t hesitate to use our legal powers to protect the people who use the service.”